Summary: Adam finds a little house and decides to fix it up for Hoss and his fianc\u00e9. Alot of family scenes.
\nRating: PG-13 Words: 4385<\/p>\n
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The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n
The Bransters thank Corina for forwarding this story to include in the Preserving Their Legacy Project.<\/p>\n
Author\u2019s Note:\u00a0 \u00a0This is my story all put together. Enjoy!<\/p>\n
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Old Dreams and Achieving New Dreams<\/strong><\/p>\n There was a cool breeze that gently swayed the oak trees. It was the middle of the summer, so it was hot. Adam sat on Sport and looked at the little cabin under the trees.<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder if anyone lives there,\u201d he muttered to himself.<\/p>\n There were few scraggly roses climbing the side of the house and he could hear a brook. Dismounting, he tied Sport to the hitching post. Drawing his gun, he stepped up onto the thresh hold of the little house and knocked on the door. To his surprise, the door creaked open revealing an empty room. Walking in, Adam peered around the corner. A door on his right opened to an empty bedroom. Adam testily called out but no one answered. Why was this house on the Ponderosa? Who had lived there? Why had they left? Just as the last question went through his mind, he heard the voices of his brothers. Adam stepped back out on the porch.<\/p>\n Hoss grinned, \u201cYou about ready to go swimming?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam distractedly nodded and glancing back at the house. \u201cHey Joe, where\u2019s Marjie?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeslyn may be my daughter, but I DON\u2019T want to bring her swimming. How am I gonna watch her and have fun at the same time? Anyways, she isn\u2019t two yet. Don\u2019t sound like a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe changed the subject. \u201cWhoever gets to the lake last is a green pig.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed as his brother and Cochise took off. \u201cHe thinks the world of that baby.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s just a baby himself. Will be 22 next month. By the way, why were you in that house back there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbandoned. Just wondering why it was there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeems sorta odd.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you are gonna be the green pig.\u201d Adam spurred Sport into a full run leaving Hoss in his dust.<\/p>\n As the wind whipped his face, Adam laughed. Taking this short cut would cause him to arrive at Lake Tahoe fifteen minutes before Joe. Hoss, who also knew the short cut, arrived soon after Adam.<\/p>\n He too stripped down to his shorts and waded into the cool water. \u201cHey Adam, how come you didn\u2019t bring Clay and Summer?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam dove beneath the clear waters and floated back up. \u201cJust the same as Joe. I don\u2019t want to baby sit. I\u2019ll take them swimming another time.\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand Hoss, you aren\u2019t married and don\u2019t have kids. You have to take a break from both once in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss splashed Adam, \u201cHey, but I am engaged. I will be married soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMmmm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere comes Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n Both brothers burst out laughing at the look on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cH-How did ya\u2019ll get here so fast?!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam jerked his thumb towards Joe and whistled.<\/p>\n Hoss started guffawing and Joe finally grinned, jumping down from Cochise. \u201cOk, ya\u2019ll win. There must be a shortcut.\u201d<\/p>\n He waded into the water and swam out to a big rock. Adam and Hoss climbed onto a smaller one near him.<\/p>\n Adam seemed lost in though a few minutes later.<\/p>\n Hoss finally spoke up. \u201cWhat cha thinking about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat empty cabin. I\u2019m sure Pa didn\u2019t give that land to anyone. I\u2019ll have to ask him when we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n Adam moved out into the sun and leaned up against the surface of the rock. \u201cYou still going to Sacramento next week?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grinned, \u201cYea, I have to arrange a few things for the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head ruefully. \u201cHoss don\u2019t forget the main reason for going. That business transaction for Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. Yea. I can\u2019t believe that I am actually gonna marry Tammy! We\u2019ve known each other since we were kids.\u201d<\/p>\n His big brother stretched, \u201cYea, she was a wild one alright. She used to dive off that rock head first.\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed at a huge rock protruding a good 10 feet out of the calm waters.<\/p>\n Hoss laughed, \u201cWe two would only jump off of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam got up, \u201cThe sun\u2019s going down. Pa and Brooklyn will be expecting us.\u201d<\/p>\n Then a smile played over his lips. \u201cDon\u2019t you think we need to push Joe off this rock? The water will wake him up.\u201d<\/p>\n His eyes pleaded Hoss to go along. \u201cOk.\u201d<\/p>\n Both brothers climbed upon the rock and gently picked Joe up.<\/p>\n Leaning over the rock, they let go. Joe hit the deep water below and came sputtering up to the surface.<\/p>\n He spotted his brothers and yelled up to them, \u201cThat ain\u2019t fair. Ya\u2019ll are mean!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam made a smooth dive into the water beside him. \u201cCome on in Hoss.\u201d The big man swallowed.<\/p>\n He hated diving. \u201cI\u2019m coming.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss backed up and made a flying leap to land beside his brothers.<\/p>\n Joe giggled, \u201cWhen you hit the surface, all the water in the whole lake sloshes out.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss dunked Joe and then headed for the shore. Using strong strokes, Adam followed him. A few minutes later all three climbed out and dried off the best they could. After donning their clothes, the brother\u2019s headed home.<\/p>\n After supper, Ben and Adam relaxed in their chairs while Hoss and Joe took the children outside. Brooklyn was helping Hop Sing clean up in the kitchen.<\/p>\n After staring into the fire for a few minutes, Adam remembered his question. \u201cPa, did you grant anyone any of the Ponderosa east of the Flatts Range, near Lake Tahoe?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u201cYears ago to two friends. They finally moved on. So it\u2019s ours again.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused, \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam leaned forwards. \u201cDo you think Joe and I could fix the cabin up and give it to Hoss and Tammy for their wedding present?\u201d<\/p>\n Brooklyn had come in and now sat down on Adam\u2019s chair arm. \u201cI think that would be a wonderful wedding present Adam! I could help.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled, \u201cOk, you three can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam slipped his arm around his wife\u2019s waist. \u201cYou sure have charm sweetheart. I don\u2019t know if Pa would have let me do it if you didn\u2019t come in here.\u201d<\/p>\n He gently kissed her cheek causing Ben to put his book up in front of his face and blush.<\/p>\n The little house stood quietly as Adam and Joe rode up.<\/p>\n Both dismounted and looked around. \u201cIt will not take much work.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned, \u201cLet\u2019s get on it.\u201d<\/p>\n Walking inside, they explored the three rooms. The kitchen, dining room, and great room were connected. There was a big room in the back and a little room on the right side.<\/p>\n \u201cAll we really have to do it get rid of the dust and make some Joe nodded. \u201cWe have the bucket, soap and a creek, so let\u2019s get to it. I don\u2019t want to be here all day.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed. \u201cSlow down, kiddo. Why don\u2019t we sweep it out first? Then we won\u2019t have to deal with as much dust.\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed at the wall and Joe huffily picked it up. As Joe began knocking cobwebs down, Adam went outside for the bucket and rags.<\/p>\n Walking down to the little creek, he knelt and filled the pail with clear water. Somewhere in the distance a bird called and another answered. \u201cWhy can\u2019t Hop Sing or Brook do this?\u201d Joe wined. \u201cMen don\u2019t suppose to play with rags.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chuckled. \u201cI\u2019m bringing them out here tomorrow to deep clean.\u201d Joe stood up and took his shirt off, throwing it across the open window seal. \u201cWe are going to have to make a table, at least two chairs, and a bed. Hey, when we come visit them, we bring our own chairs.\u201d<\/p>\n Both young men laughed at the joke. \u201cHow about a coffee table? Brook can come down here and decorate a little bit. We have some extra candle holders and stick candles in the attic at home. They will look good on the mantel.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sat back onto the damp floor and sighed. \u201cI was gonna build Joe smiled through his tears. \u201cBrook and Aimee would have been best friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think so?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYea, I really do. Most \u2018upstanding,\u2019 people didn\u2019t talk to her cause she was a saloon girl. Your wife is an angel and would have wanted to befriend her.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled and sniffed. \u201cYou will find another woman to love and eventually marry someday. Aimee will always have a special place in your heart. Jeslyn is ya\u2019lls child. She reminds me of her mother.\u201d Adam sighed and stared out the window. \u201cI am worried about Brooklyn. This pregnancy has made her so weak. I\u2019m afraid there will be troubles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry everything will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a long silence and all that could be heard was the floor being scrubbed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are y\u2019all going to name the baby?\u201d Joe asked his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, either Vanessa Ilish or Andrew Raleigh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNice.\u201d<\/p>\n All sudden Joe jumped up, swiping his back side. \u201cI\u2019m wet! I was sitting in a puddle and didn\u2019t realize it!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cPoor little boy. He didn\u2019t make it to the potty in time.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe threw his rag at Adam, laughing. The two brothers returned to their work in the little house under the great oak trees.<\/p>\n Later that day, Joe and Adam rode back to the ranch house. After tying Sport and Cochise up, they went inside. Clay, Summer, and Jeslyn were playing in the floor.<\/p>\n When Joe came in, Jeslyn looked up, \u201cDaddy!\u201d<\/p>\n She crawled to him and he knelt down, picking her up. Likewise, Summer and Clay ran to their father. At four and three years old, they looked like twins. Adam couldn\u2019t help but laugh at his son\u2019s question.<\/p>\n \u201cDaddy, are you going to play with us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, son. I am going to spend the afternoon with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow bout me, daddy?\u201d<\/p>\n Summer gazed up into Adam\u2019s eyes as she held on to his leg. \u201cYou too, Summer.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled. \u201cWell, daddy,\u201d he teased his brother,\u201d I\u2019m going into town for a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n When Joe knelt down to release Jeslyn, Adam smacked him on the rear.<\/p>\n Joe stalked out of the house with Adam calling behind him, \u201cSon! Be home by dark!\u201d<\/p>\n All sudden Clay took Adam\u2019s hand and led him over to the hearth.<\/p>\n \u201cLook dad.\u201d He pointed at his toy horses. \u201cThey are ridin\u2019 range.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cI\u2019m sure they are son.\u201d<\/p>\n Summer crawled under his arm and held out her rag doll. \u201cDaddy, mama made a new dress for her. Look!\u201d<\/p>\n Her father picked her up and placed her in his lap. \u201cIt\u2019s a pretty dress.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking around, he spotted his niece standing on the other side of the room were Joe had left her. She had her hand in her mouth and looked very sad. Adam moved Summer and crawled across the floor. Picking the baby up, he tickled her until she giggled.<\/p>\n \u201cMarjie,\u201d he used her nickname, \u201cI think its nap time for you!\u201d<\/p>\n He carried her into the kitchen. \u201cBrook, I\u2019m taking Margie up to her room.\u201d<\/p>\n Brooklyn looked up from help Hop Sing. \u201cOk, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled, causing Adam\u2019s heart to skip. Brooklyn Ann Leigh Cartwright was the most beautiful woman in the world. He forced his gaze from her and took Jeslyn up stairs.<\/p>\n It was a few minutes later that he walked back down the stairs. When he arrived at the landing, he heard his two children squabbling. Hurrying down, Adam knelt and picked Summer up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Summer?\u201d<\/p>\n The young father brushed the tears from the little girl\u2019s eyes. \u201cClay took my doll!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked over at his little son. \u201cDid you do that Clayton Alexander?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-Yes Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome here.\u201d<\/p>\n The child walked over to his father, his eyes wide. Adam sighed and rubbed his head.<\/p>\n After four years, he was still not used to fatherhood. \u201cWhy did you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n Clay looked like he was formulating an answer. Too much like Joe, Adam thought. \u201cSon?!\u201d<\/p>\n All sudden the boy burst into sobs and threw himself at his father.<\/p>\n Adam gathered his offspring up and carried them over to the settee. Setting Summer on one end, he put Clay on the other one.<\/p>\n Kneeling own to eye level, he addressed Clay. \u201cYoung man, give your sister her doll, or you and I are going to have to have a necessary talk.\u201d<\/p>\n His son\u2019s face blanched and he held the doll out to his little sister.<\/p>\n Adam was opening his mouth when Brooklyn came in. \u201cDid I hear Summer crying?\u201d<\/p>\n He rose. \u201cYes, dear, but it\u2019s sorted out. Clay, Summer, why don\u2019t you two go outside. You\u2019re mother and I need to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, dad.\u201d<\/p>\n Clay held out his hand. \u201cCome on Summer.\u201d<\/p>\n She took her hands out of her mouth and joined hands.<\/p>\n \u201cBye daddy, momma!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam then turned back to his wife. \u201cAnd how is my Brooklyn Ann?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled gently \u201cI\u2019ve been helping Hop Sing with the cooking and cleaning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou really shouldn\u2019t be working so much sweetheart, now that you are pregnant. It was so hard on you last time that you almost died.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s voice caught and his eyes were imploring as Brooklyn covered his mouth with her lips. Adam was lost in the passion until the door opened and Joe hurried in.<\/p>\n Adam backed away from his wife. \u201cHi Joe. Why are you so home early?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHiya brother.\u201d Joe pounced over. \u201cDid I interrupt anything?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam blushed scarlet all the way down to his toes. \u201cUh, no. I asked you a question.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yea. Well I ran into Mitch on the way there and we talked for so long that I realized I didn\u2019t have enough time to make it to town.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled at Adam.<\/p>\n Lake when it was just Ben and Adam sitting in the great room, Adam posed a question for his father. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m having a little troubling disciplining Clay and Summer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, today Clay took Summer\u2019s rag doll and he knew that it was wrong. I made him give it back, but he will just take it again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if he realizes he is disobeying, you need a firmer disciple. Maybe a necessary talk.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam winced. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I could do that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou might have to.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared into the fire for a long time. \u201cOh by the way, Joe and I cleaned up around that cabin today. Tomorrow I plan to take Hop Sing and Brooklyn down there to really clean it up. Joe promised to watch the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u201cHe loves those kids. I\u2019m glad that you decided to not move out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we really couldn\u2019t in the beginning. And then Jeslyn came along and we wouldn\u2019t want to separate her from Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n His father sighed. \u201cI wish Aimee were still alive. Joe could have married her and they could have had a bigger family. She was a special child.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, lost in thought.<\/p>\n After a few minutes, he spoke up again. \u201cI\u2019m going to turn in.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben arose. \u201cI am too.\u201d<\/p>\n The next day took Adam, Brooklyn, and Hop Sing out to the cabin beside the stream.<\/p>\n When they arrived, the little China man immediately began to issue orders. \u201cMr. Adam, you clean around house. Mrs. Cartwright will help me inside.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chuckled, \u201cYes sir, Hop Sing. You have it under control.\u201d<\/p>\n Removing a hoe from the buckboard, he smiled at Brooklyn. \u201cNow you don\u2019t work too hard my little wife.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to, dear. Hoss will be home in a couple weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPromise me?\u201d<\/p>\n She laughed and punched his arm, \u201cOk, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam left and walked back to the garden. As he began pulling weeds, he mulled over his thoughts. They really would have to hurry. Hoss would be home in 12 days.<\/p>\n Later that night when all was dark and quiet, Adam was still in the barn, working on a chair for Hoss\u2019 cabin. As he crouched down to pick up a leg, the door creaked open.<\/p>\n Slowly standing up, he put his hand on his holister. Swinting into the dark, he opened his mouth to call out.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s me, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n He relaxed. \u201cCome on in Brooky. Why aren\u2019t you in bed?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled mischievously and sat down on his knee. \u201cBecause the bed was cold.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed and took her in his arms, kissing her.<\/p>\n After a few minutes, he whispered to her, his voice husky. \u201cLet\u2019s take this to the bed room.\u201d<\/p>\n The sun rose early over the Ponderosa on Sunday morning. As the fog cleared away, a hot sun dried the dew. The Cartwright\u2019s were up early, getting ready to leave for services. Ben was downstairs polishing his shoes. Brooklyn and Hop Sing were in the kitchen. Hoss was in the barn checking on a newborn foal. Adam was in the upstairs bedroom dressing his brood for church. Glancing over, he noticed that Jeslyn was not awake yet.<\/p>\n He rolled his eyes while he buttoned up Clay\u2019s shirt. \u201cJoe has never been one to get up to go the church,\u201d he told them. \u201cI used to have the worst time getting him up. I remember we would take turns. And one day when we were going into services, he yelled out that he wasn\u2019t going to go to church. I was mortified!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s mortyfied?\u201d Summer dimpled.<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cI was mortified. Really embarrassed.\u201d<\/p>\n Summer just looked at him and giggled. All sudden they all heard Ben bellowing for Joe to get up.<\/p>\n Adam picked Jeslyn up and mumbled to himself. \u201cI\u2019m glad it wasn\u2019t my turn!\u201d<\/p>\n Walking down the hall, he gave the baby to Joe. \u201cMorning, kiddo. She needs a diaper change.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe just gritted his teeth and took her from Adam.<\/p>\n A few minutes later, they were all gathered downstairs ready to leave. Joe looked around, \u201cHey Pa, where is Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe asked if he could stay and watch after the colt.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe kicked the couch. \u201cNot fair!\u201d<\/p>\n Rain clouds were brewing by the time that service was over at the church building in Virginia City. As the Cartwright\u2019s left the building, the rain began to descend.<\/p>\n Adam scooped Summer and Clay up and ran from the buggy. After helping his wife in, he stepped back so Joe could deposit Jeslyn in with the other three.<\/p>\n Stepping back up, Adam grinned at Brooklyn. \u201cDrive safely. Those horses might try to bolt.\u201d<\/p>\n Tipping his hat he ran for Sport. \u201cMet you at the Leigh\u2019s.\u201d He waved.<\/p>\n The Leigh\u2019s were Brooklyn Ann\u2019s parents. That had moved to Virginia City after Adam and their daughter had married.<\/p>\n Sunday afternoon was a quiet one at the Leigh\u2019s. After Sunday dinner, Ben conversed with Brook\u2019s parents about ranching and other business. Adam and Brook took a walk, leaving Joe with the three kids and Brooklyn\u2019s young brother. Joe took all four children out onto the front porch. Scooping his daughter up, he sat down on the steps. Summer, Clay, and Dustin gathered near.<\/p>\n \u201cTell us a story like uncle Hoss does.\u201d Clay dimpled, much like his father.<\/p>\n Joe looked uncomfortable. \u201cI\u2019m not good with stories. You see, I was the youngest child, so all the stories were told to me.\u201d<\/p>\n His nephew tipped his head to the side, \u201cThen you should know them real good by now.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe rolled his eyes, \u201cYou\u2019re just like your father I\u2019ll tell you one of when I was a little kid.\u201d<\/p>\n Jeslyn reached up and patted Joe\u2019s face, gurgling. He laughed and took her tiny hand in his. \u201cOk, one day when I was about 7 years old\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He launched into a story of his rowdy childhood as the children dozed off\u2026<\/p>\n After leaving the Leigh\u2019s, the Cartwright\u2019s spent the rest of the afternoon finishing the furniture for Hoss and Tammy\u2019s house. After supper, Brooklyn went to visit Tammy and took the kids with her. That freed the men up, so they moved the furniture to the cabin.<\/p>\n When they arrived in the buckboard, Ben smiled. \u201cYou boys did a good job!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe giggled, \u201cHop Sing and Brooky did most of the inside. But me an\u2019 Adam cleaned out here.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben eased himself out of the wagon and picked a chair up while his son\u2019s moved the table in. For a moment he let his mind rest on his offspring. His little boy wasn\u2019t 22 yet but he already had a baby daughter. Adam had been married for 5 years and had two young children and one on the way. Hoss was about to be married to a childhood friends. At 56 years old, Ben had much to be thankful of.<\/p>\n Meanwhile Joe and Adam were in the cabin placing the table.<\/p>\n After bringing in a few other pieces Adam stopped Joe. \u201cJoe, I want to ask you something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, brother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was wondering this. Do you even love your daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n He held a hand up. \u201cI love mine a great deal and pay them a lot of attention. You never seem to want to be around Marjie.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned around, putting his back to Adam.<\/p>\n After a long moment, he broke the silence. \u201cI-I just don\u2019t want to be around her. She\u2019s just like Aimee, and that hurts. I defiled Aimee. Then she was killed before I could make it right!\u201d<\/p>\n He slowly turned around. \u201cI feel like it was my fault that she was murdered. I could have protected her more. Loved her more. I was a devil.\u201d<\/p>\n A lone tear slid down his cheek and Adam reached out to him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe. I never knew that you blamed yourself for her death.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI knew that Marc Witner was after her! But I didn\u2019t do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, it wasn\u2019t your fault. Ok? He would have killed her anyways. You have to accept that. And you have to love Jeslyn. She\u2019s your own blood and flesh.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe leaned against his big brother and sobbed until his heart felt like it was going to break. It was good to cry again. He hadn\u2019t cried since the burial.<\/p>\n “Welcome back son!” Ben laughed and shook Hoss’ hand. Clapping his father on the back, the big man knelt and gathered his three rowdy nieces and nephew up.<\/p>\n Joe rushed out of the house, “Hiya brother!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam followed at a slower pace with his arm around Brooklyn\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n “Hey Adam!”<\/p>\n “Welcome back Hoss!”<\/p>\n The family walked into the house and Hoss immediately headed for the kitchen. “Hop Sing, I’m plum starved!”<\/p>\n The little man turned around, a big smile on his face. “You home Mr. Hoss!”<\/p>\n “And right hungry!” Hoss hugged Hop Sing, nipping a cookie from the cookie jar.<\/p>\n Brooklyn came in and patted Hoss on the arm. “We are fixing you a big dinner Hoss, so you will be well fed.”<\/p>\n Supper was a joyous affair. Tammy had come over, so there were ten people in the spacious ranch house. The wedding was the main topic. After supper, Joe, Hoss, and Tammy took the children for a stroll while Ben, Adam, and Brooklyn sat on the porch.<\/p>\n “Pa? Do you think we should give Hoss the house the day before the wedding?”<\/p>\n “I would, son. That way they could get things settled in.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sat up, “And know were they will be sleeping the next night!”<\/p>\n All three laughed and Ben picked his bible up off the little table.<\/p>\n Adam rose and took his wife\u2019s hand. “Why don\u2019t we take a little walk sweetheart.”<\/p>\n The two young lovers stepped off of the porch leaving Ben to his reading.<\/p>\n The fog lay heavy on the morning before Hoss and Tammy’s wedding. By early afternoon, the fog had been burned away by the strong sun light. This allowed Adam and Hoss to ride out. Their conversation was light and cherry as they rode towards the little valley.<\/p>\n “You sure you won\u2019t tell me what it is Adam?”<\/p>\n Adam laughed and pulled Sport to a stop.<\/p>\n He pointed down the hill. “I don’t have to. There it is.”<\/p>\n Hoss sat on Chub, his mouth fallen open. “A house for Tammy and me?!”<\/p>\n “Yep. I found it and Joe and I cleaned it up. Some friend\u2019s of Pa’s lived here once, but they moved on several years ago.”<\/p>\n Hoss dismounted. “You\u2019re joshing me! And I though I was going to have to build one!”<\/p>\n Adam followed Hoss into the house. “Shame Joe couldn\u2019t come. He and Brook helped out a lot. So did Hop Sing.”<\/p>\n Hoss nodded distractedly, “Its ok.”<\/p>\n \u201cPa fixed the fence.”<\/p>\n Hoss just nodded, still stunned.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s a present from all of us.”<\/p>\n Hoss finally gained his voice, “Gee thanks Adam! It\u2019s the best gift I have ever gotten. Hot dog! Wait till I tell Tammy!”<\/p>\n The next day, Hoss and Tammy repeated their vows and were married. Not a tear was dry as the newly weds kissed under the old apple tree. Even Adam had a tear in his eye.<\/p>\n When the ceremony was over, everyone went to the new house.<\/p>\n As Hoss carried Tammy over the threshold, Adam put his arm around Brooklyn\u2019s waist. “We are all very happy aren\u2019t we?”<\/p>\n He glanced over at Joe who was holding his baby and entertaining Clay and Summer. “Joe too. Even though he has loved and lost. Hoss is defiantly happy! Tammy is a wonderful lady.”<\/p>\n He gestured at Ben who was laughing with his new daughter-in-law.<\/p>\n Brooklyn smiled. \u201cBen is happy too.”<\/p>\n Adam put his cheek on Brooklyn\u2019s head. “I know I am happy How could I not with you being my wife? And having two wonderful children and one on the way.”<\/p>\n He took his wife in his arms. “It’s all I have ever wanted.<\/p>\n She leaned against his chest. “Me too.”<\/p>\n
\nfurniture later on.\u201d Adam leaned against the wall, contemplating his next move.<\/p>\n
\nWhen Adam got back to the house, Joe was done with the cobwebs.
\nTogether they began mopping the floors.<\/p>\n
\nHe wiped the sweat off his face and replaced his hat. \u201cWe are just trying to get most of the dust out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAimee Mairi and me a home like this. Then Marc Witner\u2019s killed her.\u201d
\nAdam placed a reassuring hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
\nJoe smiled. \u201cJeslyn needs a mother. I can never thank Brook enough for treating her like her own child.\u201d<\/p>\n